Page 28 of Monster

“They’re done?” Dario asked.

The base being built on Samuel’s back forty had kept things chaotic. He’d almost gotten used to the sounds of heavy equipment and pounding. Almost. He still heard it now.

“Almost.There is still one section under construction, but there’s enough of the building completed that they can move some areas in. We’re starting with the geeks,” Cal said. “They’ve got all kinds of wired things to set up.”

“Need help?” Samuel asked.

“I’m sure Malachi wouldn’t say no to a couple more hands.”

“Let me wash up real quick and I’ll go, too,” Dario said.

“Meet us over there,” Cal called as Dario headed inside.

* * * *

The Morning After…

Drake rolled over, the sound of humming waking him from a deep, deep sleep. He cracked one eye open, the scent of coffee, bacon, and eggs filling the cabin he and Jaeger had been given to share. Dragging himself up, he sat there a moment, scrubbing his face. Moments later, he forced himself to his feet and made his way to the kitchen.

Pouring himself a cup, he watched as Jaeger continued to happily make breakfast.“Morning.”

“And a wonderful one it is,” Jaeger said, casting a look over one shoulder.

“What the hell’s gotten into you?”

Jaeger chuckled.“We’re free… no longer under Lore’s thumb… and here in a place where shifters roam free.Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

Drake brought the cup to his lips and narrowed his eyes over the rim.There was more to Jaeger’s happiness than freedom.He’d bet his ass on it.

“Want something to eat? I made plenty.”

“I suppose,” Drake said, his stomach lurching.

Jaeger prepared a plate before turning to hand it to Drake.He paused, his smile fading.“You look like hell.”

“Thanks,” he hissed, taking the plate from the man.He crossed over to the small breakfast nook and sat down.

Jaeger came with his own food and coffee a second later. “You never did tell me how yesterday went with the beast.”

“Exhausting,” Drake said honestly.He felt like he’d been hit by a Mack truck.Never before had a mind been so difficult to enter… and never before had he felt this drained.

“Did you get anything out of him?” the ice dragon asked, lifting a forkful to his mouth.

“Not much—but it was a start.” Drake dug into his food.For some reason, he wasn’t much in the mood for sharing.

Or talking.

The bed was calling his name.He’d already slept a few times throughout the previous day and all the night before. Drake wasn’t sure he could endure much more. Glancing at the clock on the microwave, he hissed.“Shit, I’m gonna be late.” He quickly shoved another bite of egg between his lips.

“For?”

Mid-chew, he responded, manners be damned. He needed all the energy he could get. “They’re moving the beast into that new building they’ve been working on.Bull wanted my help to keep him calm.” Drake sighed. He wasn’t sure he had the strength.

“You’re in no shape for that,” Jaeger said.

“I promised I’d help, so help I shall.”

“Then I’m coming, too.”

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